Clayton James Corna - “Jim”, age 83, formerly of New Milford, Conn., passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 23, 2022 at Saint John Paul II Center in Danbury, Conn.
Jim was born on June 5, 1938 in Danbury to Clayton James and Mildred Elizabeth (Retallick) Corna. He was the eldest of nine children.
He attended A. L. Kellogg School in Treadwell and lived most of his adult life in Brewster and New Milford, Conn.
Jim worked as an oil truck driver, carpenter, property caretaker and handyman. He was a skilled woodsman, a meticulous painter and took pride in his manicured lawns and landscaping skills. He loved the great outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature. He liked gardening, particularly growing tomatoes and savoring a fresh tomato sandwich. He enjoyed traveling to the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York to visit family. He cherished family reunions, special celebrations and Fourth of July parties. He enjoyed country music, dancing and wasn’t shy to sing out loud. Throughout his life, he owned Chevy trucks and was proud for keeping them well maintained and sparkling clean. He enjoyed going to the car races at Danbury Fair Racearena and Lebanon Valley Speedway. He drank instant coffee and liked eating at local diners. Jim will be remembered for his strong determination and valuing an old time lifestyle.
Jim is survived by four children with his first wife Rosemary (Wier) Whitaker; Bernadette Corna of Hobe Sound, Fla., Cynthia Beach (Dale) of Franklin, Clayton Corna (Kathleen) of Baldwinsville, Elizabeth Serrao (Andrew) of Franklin, and his siblings Jayne Turner, Andrea Mott, Cheryl Ceresna, Steven Ceresna, Kevin Ceresna, Brian Ceresna and Karen Terry. He is also survived by an aunt, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was predeceased by his father Clayton in 1948, mother Mildred in 1984, stepfather Steven Ceresna in 1997, brother Dennis Corna in 2008 and second wife Janet Corna in 2011.
A graveside service will be held at Croton Union Cemetery in Treadwell on Sunday, June 5, at noon. A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will immediately follow at the Treadwell United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.
